Every other month, a federal expert on global trade will be in Tallahassee offering free help and resources to local businesses seeking to become export ready for the global economy.

It's a local effort spearheaded by the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality in partnership with the International Trade Administration by way of the Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola U.S. Export Assistance Center.

The partnership is a direct result of Tallahassee's participation in an international tour in December called the Eighth Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE for short) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The six-day tour across North and Central Florida allowed 50 officials to see firsthand notable projects, strategic investments and thriving public-private partnerships.

Tallahassee ranks 15th among Florida metropolitan statistical areas for exports with $191 million in 2015, Enterprise Florida's "Metropolitan Statistical Area Exports to the World Report" showed.

However, nearby areas, including Pensacola and Gainesville ranked higher than the capital city, coming in seventh and eleventh respectively. Both worked with the Federal Trade Administration for several years and helped businesses with customizing and export strategies.

Jorge Arce, the trade administration's point person for the Panhandle to Gainesville, said Tallahassee ranks 12th in population for Florida MSAs. He said more Tallahassee-based companies are viable candidates for exporting goods and services, including engineering.

"That is the way to expand and diversify your market," Acre said. "Made in the USA services, including engineering and construction, means quality and high end in the world market. We Americans don’t seem to understand that unless we travel abroad."

Acre said $170,000 in exports is needed to support or maintain one job.

"It's really microeconomic development," he said.

Florida ranks second in the country for the highest number of exporters, according to Enterprise Florida. Two years ago, the state sold $52 billion worth of goods to more than 200 countries worldwide.

"The bottom line is OEV and ITA hope this collaboration leads to increased business opportunities for local companies' competition in the global economy,” said Cristina Paredes, OEV's deputy director.

Appointments are available in May for the ongoing partnership. Companies interested in setting up an appointment are asked to contact the Office of Economic Vitality or email Paredes at Cparedes@oevforbusiness.org.

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.